Importance Score: 42 / 100 🔵
Sexton Joins British & Irish Lions Coaching Team for Australia Tour
In a surprising development, Johnny Sexton has been appointed to the British & Irish Lions coaching setup for their upcoming summer tour of Australia. This move intensifies the fly-half selection debate, especially given Sexton’s past remarks regarding Finn Russell and his support for Owen Farrell. The former Ireland captain’s inclusion in the British & Irish Lions coaching staff is a key talking point ahead of the Australia tour.
Sexton’s Appointment to Farrell’s Team
Despite not being initially named as an assistant by head coach Andy Farrell last month, Sexton will now join the coaching team. He will work alongside Simon Easterby, John Dalziel, Andrew Goodman, Richard Wigglesworth, and John Fogarty. It is also confirmed that Sexton will integrate into Farrell’s Ireland coaching staff after the conclusion of the Lions tour.
Past Lions Tours and Selection Insights
Sexton, who retired after the 2023 World Cup with an impressive five Six Nations titles, has toured with the Lions twice before as a player. He started in all three Tests during the 2013 Australia tour at fly-half. In 2017 against New Zealand, he began on the bench for the first Test but regained his starting position for the subsequent two as the Lions rallied to secure a draw. Notably, his omission from the 2021 tour of South Africa was a surprise, a disappointment he openly discussed in his autobiography.
Fly-Half Selection Debate and Sexton’s Perspective
Sexton’s presence in selection discussions adds significant intrigue, particularly regarding Farrell’s selection at fly-half. While Finn Russell is widely considered a frontrunner for the No. 10 jersey, Sexton has previously voiced critical opinions of the Scottish player. He has also given mixed reviews of Marcus Smith and recently collaborated closely with Irish prospects Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley. Sexton has consistently praised Owen Farrell, his former Lions teammate from the 2013 and 2017 tours, even as Farrell’s club form with Racing 92 has been inconsistent. Other fly-half contenders include Fin Smith and George Ford.
Autobiography Excerpts on Fly-Half Preferences
In his autobiography, Sexton detailed his thinking on fly-half selection, stating: “Competition was tight, I’ll admit. I expected that Gats [head coach Warren Gatland] would go with Owen Farrell and Dan Biggar, players who had delivered for him before. Quality players and proven winners. Finn Russell was the darling of the media during that year’s Six Nations but he didn’t look like a Gatland player to me. I reckoned that if Gats chose three out-halves and if he was true to his ideals, I was in.”
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Public Endorsement of Owen Farrell
In a later interview with the Times, Sexton reinforced his preference when questioned about Lions selection: “I’d pick Owen Farrell. Who do you want in there when the going gets tough? Test-match animals. I know who the media would want. Finn Russell, Marcus Smith, the flashy…” However, he then shifted his stance slightly on Smith, adding: “Marcus, I think, is a generational talent. I actually wouldn’t really include him. He looks flashy, but I think he manages the game really well. I think he can light up a game. But for me, I’d like Owen. He can do some remarkable things.”
Sexton’s Coaching Role and Responsibilities
Andy Farrell has chosen not to publicly specify the exact roles of his coaches. Therefore, Sexton’s precise responsibilities remain unclear, especially as Goodman is Ireland’s backs coach and Wigglesworth oversees England’s attack. During the Six Nations, Sexton assisted Ireland informally, focusing on kicking skills and mentoring younger players.
Sexton’s Enthusiasm for Lions Coaching Role
“I am hugely excited to continue the next chapter in my coaching journey with the British & Irish Lions, and I would like to thank Andy for this incredible opportunity,” Sexton stated. “It promises to be an exciting tour to Australia, and I know from experience the challenges that await us. Playing for the Lions was a significant ambition throughout my playing career, and my memories of those tours to Australia and New Zealand will remain with me forever.”
Farrell’s Perspective on Sexton’s Appointment
Andy Farrell, who is set to announce his squad for the summer tour on May 8th, commented on Sexton’s appointment: “I coached Johnny for the very first time during the 2013 Lions Tour to Australia, and his deep affection for The British & Irish Lions was evident in his daily approach.
“His impact on that Lions team and that Series victory, our only win in the last 24 years, should be duly recognized. His determination and dedication as a player are qualities he will bring to this Lions Tour, and I am confident that the players will value his expertise and experience alongside all of our assistant coaches.”